Wed. Mar 26th, 2025

Operation CABRAS: French-Spanish drug trafficking ring dismantled

Feb 5, 2025 , , , , , , ,

The Hague, 4 February 2025

A sophisticated drug trafficking network smuggling large quantities of narcotics between Spain and France has been dismantled following a major law enforcement operation. Operation CABRAS, led by the French Gendarmerie under the supervision of the Specialised Interregional Jurisdiction (JIRS) of Rennes, targeted a criminal syndicate responsible for importing cannabis resin, cocaine, and synthetic drugs into France via Spain.

The investigation uncovered a highly structured organisation using sophisticated methods to transport and conceal drugs. The traffickers operated from a logistical base in southern Spain, where they stored and prepared drug shipments before smuggling them into France. Their modus operandi relied on convoys with lead and carrier vehicles equipped with hidden compartments to smuggle the drugs and evade detection. To further secure their operations, the network used counter-surveillance tactics and frequently changed routes and vehicles.

On 27 January, a coordinated law enforcement operation led to the interception of one such drug convoy upon its arrival at a property in the Morbihan region of France. The French Gendarmerie arrested the three drivers as well as the syndicate’s regional leader, who was there to oversee the delivery. Simultaneously, house searches were conducted in France and Spain, resulting in the arrest of the two suspects who led the network and the collection of significant evidence against the group.

Operational results

The operation, carried out in close cooperation with Spanish authorities, resulted in the arrest of 24 individuals and the seizure of 151 kg of drugs – including cocaine, synthetic drugs, cannabis resin, and herbal cannabis, with an estimated street value of EUR 2.5 million.

Europol supported the investigation by providing analytical expertise to map out the syndicate’s structure, identify key players, and track smuggling routes. Europol also coordinated intelligence sharing and funded the deployment of French officers to Spain to facilitate cross-border cooperation. On the action day, Europol deployed experts to France and Spain to ensure the exchange of real-time information between the involved law enforcement authorities.

Eurojust supported the judicial authorities during their investigation and prepared the European Arrest Warrants and European Investigation Orders executed during the operation.

Participating authorities
  • France: National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale – Section de Recherches Rennes)
  • Spain: National Police (Policía Nacional – UDYCO Málaga)

Source – Europol

 

Eurojust: Operation against international drug trafficking network

The Hague, 4 February 2025

French and Spanish authorities, with the support of Eurojust and Europol, have stopped an illegal drug delivery into France arriving from Spain. The drug seizure is part of an operation against an international trafficking network active in the two countries. Authorities arrested 24 members of the network, including the two leaders, and seized over 150 kg of drugs with a market value of EUR 2.5 million.

The French criminal group set up import routes to transport drugs into France from their headquarters in Spain. Using vehicles with hidden compartments, the group was able to avoid detection and transport multiple types of synthetic drugs and cannabis into France. By frequently changing the routes used, the group further ensured that they remained undetected.

French authorities started investigating the network together with their partners in Spain in June 2024. They soon located the head of the network in Southern Spain and investigated the criminal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering. A takedown of the network was planned, with the preparation of European Investigation Orders and European Arrest Warrants taking place at Eurojust.

Europol supported the investigation by providing analytical expertise to map out the syndicate’s structure, identify key players and track smuggling routes. Europol also coordinated intelligence sharing and funded the deployment of French officers to Spain to facilitate cross-border cooperation. On the action day, Europol deployed experts to France and Spain to ensure real-time information exchange between the involved law enforcement authorities.

On 28 January, actions to take down the group took place simultaneously in Spain and France. Authorities caught a drug convoy arriving in France in the early morning. Over 120 kg of drugs were intercepted from the delivery. The three drivers and the head of the network in France were arrested on the spot. During searches in France, money, drugs and weapons were seized, and 13 suspects were put in police custody and 9 in preventive custody. In Spain, the two leaders of the criminal group were arrested, and cash and drugs were seized during house searches. The leaders are now awaiting extradition to France. The members of the criminal group who were involved in drug trafficking and money laundering could face up to 30 years in prison.

The following authorities carried out the operations:

  • France: JIRS Rennes (interregional specialised jurisdiction); Gendarmerie Nationale (SR Rennes)
  • Spain: Public Prosecution Office Antidrug; Central Investigative Court num 2 at Audiencia Nacional; National Police (Policía Nacional – UDYCO Málaga)

Source – Eurojust

 

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